Application of strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition and tetrazine ligation to targeted Fc-drug conjugates

Bioconjug Chem. 2012 Oct 17;23(10):2007-13. doi: 10.1021/bc300052u. Epub 2012 Sep 25.

Abstract

We have previously described an approach whereby antibody Fc fragments harboring a single C-terminal selenocysteine residue (Fc-Sec) are directed against a variety of targets by changing the peptide or small molecule to which they are conjugated. In the present work, we describe methodology for improving the efficacy of these Fc-Sec conjugates by incorporating cytotoxic drugs. The Fc-Sec protein is first programmed to target specific tumor cell types by attachment of a bifunctional linker that contains a "clickable" handle (e.g., cyclobutane or cyclooctyne) in addition to a tumor cell-binding peptide or small molecule. Following Fc-Sec conjugation, a cytotoxic warhead is then attached by cycloaddition reactions of tetrazine or azide-containing linker. To validate this approach, we used a model system in which folic acid (FA) is the targeting moiety and a disulfide-linked biotin moiety serves as a cytotoxic drug surrogate. We demonstrated successful targeting of Fc-Sec proteins to folate-receptor expressing tumor cells. Tetrazine ligation was found to be an efficient method for biotin "arming" of the folate-targeted Fc-Sec proteins. We also report novel bioconjugation methodologies that use [4 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between tetrazines and cyclooctynes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Alkynes / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Azides / chemistry*
  • Cycloaddition Reaction*
  • Cyclobutanes / chemistry
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments / chemistry*
  • Selenocysteine / chemistry
  • Tetrazoles / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alkynes
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Azides
  • Cyclobutanes
  • Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments
  • Tetrazoles
  • Selenocysteine